Buffalo Sabres Trade Michael Kesselring to San Jose Sharks: 2026 NHL Draft Pick Swap Details
The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for swapping first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. Buffalo received the No. 20 pick, while San Jose acquired the No. 27 pick. Kesselring, 26, had two assists in 34 regular-season games for the Sabres this season and no points in one playoff game. He is in the final year of a two-year contract and can become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Kesselring was previously acquired by Buffalo from Utah in a trade involving forward Josh Doan. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft and has accumulated 55 points in 190 regular-season games for various teams. The Sharks finished fifth in the Pacific Division this season, missing the playoffs by four points but showing a significant improvement from the previous season.
San Jose holds the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft and has a total of eight selections. On the other hand, the Sabres won the Atlantic Division and made the playoffs for the first time in a decade, ultimately losing in the second round. Buffalo has four picks in the 2026 draft, setting the stage for potential roster changes and future prospects for both teams.